At a lookKnowledgeable’s Ranking
Execs
- Distinctive metallic design
- Highly effective chipset that’s nice for gaming
- Spectacular selfie digital camera
- Reasonably priced value
Cons
- Design could also be too flashy for some
- No charger included within the field
- No wi-fi charging
Our Verdict
Regardless of a brand new design and additional efficiency, the Telephone (2a) Plus retains an reasonably priced price ticket, making it a high advice. However I can’t assist however really feel that that is what the Telephone (2a) ought to have been from the start, and that the Plus mannequin doesn’t have to exist.
I used to be excited to get my palms on the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus, a sibling to the favored Telephone (2a). This was principally right down to the design, to be completely sincere.
With lower than six months in the marketplace (on the time of writing), Telephone (2a) now will get a extra premium companion geared toward avid gamers and efficiency fanatics.
Nothing desires to make it clear that this isn’t a successor however a complementary mannequin with a refreshed design and upgraded internals.
However with simply an £80 value distinction within the UK, can each telephones co-exist within the aggressive mid-range market? I spent every week testing the Telephone (2a) Plus to seek out out simply how good it’s.
Design & Construct
- Engaging metallic end
- Distinctive ‘Glyph’ hind lights
- Semi-transparent again
The Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus stands out with its new metallic design scheme, that includes see-through parts enhanced with a shiny silver remedy on the mannequin I examined. There’s additionally a black model, which retains the metallic end.
Personally, I’m a giant fan of this design. It appears to be like tremendous premium, and much costlier than this system prices. In a bizarre manner, it jogs my memory of the Pure Titanium color on the iPhone 15 Professional, which I take advantage of day by day. So for my style, this was an ideal match.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
I’ve additionally probably not seen the metallic highlights earlier than, particularly with a clear again. That is one other really distinctive design, in typical Nothing trend. The metallic end actually comes alive when held underneath completely different angles, as the sunshine bounces off the surfaces.
The Telephone (2a) Plus retains the scaled-back Glyph Interface lighting system and polycarbonate case from the Telephone (2a).
I’m a giant fan of this design. It appears to be like tremendous premium, and much costlier than this system prices
I don’t suppose you lose an excessive amount of from having the smaller part of glyph lighting. They’ll fade out and in or solely partly mild as much as present quantity or charging progress. The twin rear cameras, harking back to eyes (which was carried out on objective, I’m advised), stay a particular function.
Display & Audio system
- 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display
- Irritating in-display fingerprint sensor
- First rate twin stereo audio system
The Telephone (2a) Plus’s 6.7-inch AMOLED show provides Full HD+ decision, a 120Hz refresh fee, and 1300 nits of claimed peak brightness.
These specs are equivalent to the Telephone (2a) – nothing has modified right here. The AMOLED panel rivals high-end telephones, even when its 2.4K (2412×1084) decision isn’t fairly top-tier. Content material is sharp and clear, and except you’ve received eagle eyes, you gained’t spot the distinction from a 1440p or 4K display.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Because of the 120Hz refresh fee, every part feels silky easy. It’s excellent for shopping, emailing, binge-watching, or doomscrolling. The default ‘Dynamic’ mode cleverly adjusts between 30-120Hz to avoid wasting battery, but it surely doesn’t drop to 1Hz because it’s not an LTPO show. You possibly can nonetheless manually set it to 60- or 120Hz if you happen to fancy.
From the entrance, the Telephone (2a) Plus is a stunner, with its flat show and slim, symmetrical bezels. I believe the symmetrical bezels and rounded corners present a barely extra immersive viewing expertise, because the black border is much less noticeable.
Nevertheless, visibility nonetheless isn’t its sturdy go well with; at slightly below 700 nits of brightness on the common, it struggles in brilliant daylight. That is similar to what we stated concerning the common Telephone (2a).
Contained in the display, there’s an optical fingerprint sensor, that you just’ll discover on most Android smartphones as of late. On Telephone (2a), we discovered that it was quick and dependable, unlocking the cellphone 95% of the time. However on this new Telephone (2a) Plus, I’ve been having some issues. The system didn’t appear to recognise my fingerprint after first setting it up.
Content material is sharp and clear, and except you’ve received eagle eyes, you gained’t spot the distinction from a 1440p or 4K display
After some resets and an replace, all appears to be mounted, so this may increasingly have been a software program bug. Notice that face unlock can be out there by means of Android, but it surely’s much less safe because it simply works utilizing an image of your face. It can also’t be used to authenticate purchases or log in to banking apps.
The speaker setup stays unchanged, delivering clear and balanced audio that makes it well-suited for media consumption. Telephone (2a) Plus comes with twin stereo audio system, that includes a downward-firing grille and earpiece combo.
It delivers punchy sound with out distortion at excessive volumes. Nevertheless, the bass is missing, so it’s not supreme for motion pictures or if you happen to actually like your music. However it’s high quality for social media and YouTube.
Specs & Efficiency
- Customized MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Professional chipset
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB of non-expandable storage
Beneath the hood, the Telephone (2a) Plus is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Professional chipset. This was designed particularly for the system, so it really works moderately properly.
It guarantees superior efficiency for apps and video games in comparison with the Dimensity 7200 Professional within the Telephone (2a). Most scores place it forward of rivals just like the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion and Samsung Galaxy A55. And, after all, it scores above Telephone (2a).
Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus benchmarks
I’ll say that efficiency isn’t leaps and bounds higher. If you’re scrolling by means of apps or switching from one app to a different, you may’t really feel a lot distinction.
However while you begin to multitask with a number of apps or play some video games, you may really feel that issues are snappier, body charges look higher, and every part is only a bit smoother. You’ll simply get by means of a day of normal use with this cellphone.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
This was with the Telephone (2a) Plus mannequin with 12GB of RAM. Whereas that’s the one spec out there in Europe, there may be an 8GB RAM variant in India. I can’t think about there’s a giant drop-off on the entry-level 8GB model.
Efficiency is undoubtedly a power of the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus at this value level. However, and I’ll say it once more, that is the place Telephone (2a) ought to have landed the primary time.
Efficiency is undoubtedly a power of the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus at this value level
Cameras
- 50Mp major rear lens
- 50Mp ultrawide
- New 50Mp selfie digital camera
The Telephone (2a) Plus retains the twin 50MP rear cameras from its predecessor, guaranteeing constant picture high quality.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
You gained’t discover a telephoto digital camera, macro lens or devoted depth sensor, although. Whereas this doesn’t sound all that spectacular, it’s fairly on par for different handsets at this value level. And it means the Telephone (2a) Plus is on a par with Telephone (2) and Telephone (2a).
In good lighting, the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus produces first rate photographs with sturdy element and dynamic vary. Nevertheless, its picture processing makes images overly vibrant and contrasty, missing true-to-life accuracy. It will be nice if you happen to might swap this off or dial it down within the settings, however no such luck.
In good lighting, the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus produces first rate photographs with sturdy element and dynamic vary
Publicity will be inconsistent, notably with the sky, although it performs higher in lower-light situations. The long-exposure evening mode brightens darkish pictures successfully with minimal noise.
Portrait mode delivers well-exposed topics with a pleasant background blur, although edge detection will be hit or miss. The ultrawide lens maintains high quality with a 114° area of view however has extra washed-out colors. There’s no optical zoom, and digital zoom past 2x turns into very grainy in a short time.
For video, it shoots as much as 4K at 30fps, however 1080p at 30fps is the default and will suffice for many customers. Footage is first rate, with OIS on the principle lens offering stability. However I’d keep on with utilizing one other system with a greater digital camera setup if you happen to’re planning on watching your movies on a bigger display.
In a shock improve, the front-facing digital camera additionally turns into a 50MP sensor, enhancing selfie high quality. The selfie digital camera can take vibrant, detailed photographs, even in portrait mode, regardless of cropping in additional than most smartphones.
Battery Life & Charging
- 5000mAh battery
- 50W wired charging
- No wi-fi charging
Regardless of the efficiency enhance from the brand new chipset, Nothing claims the 5000mAh battery will nonetheless final all day.
When the time involves cost, the Telephone (2a) Plus helps 50W wired charging, an enchancment over the 45W within the Telephone (2a). This fees the newer cellphone to 100% in slightly below two hours. Whereas each include a cable, neither features a charging brick within the field.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
I have to say that the charging cable is considered one of my favourites, due to matching metallic ends. Wi-fi charging is absent once more. Whereas it’s most definitely to maintain prices down, it’s closely missed.
In my utilization, the battery comfortably lasted by means of a day of heavy use, and the speedy charging function was a lifesaver throughout busy days. On one event, I used to be caught with out a charger for the evening. It managed to present me an hour of battery within the morning earlier than lastly giving up, after I switched on ‘Energy Saver’ mode.
In my utilization, the battery comfortably lasted by means of a day of heavy use, and the speedy charging function was a lifesaver throughout busy days
Software program & Apps
- Nothing OS 2.6 over Android 14
- Customisable design and ‘Glyph’ lights
- Three main OS updates, 4 years of safety patches
Working Nothing OS 2.6 on Android 14, the Phone (2a) Plus offers a minimalistic, widget-based UI that’s free from bloatware.
If you’ve never used a Nothing handset before, the software experience is quite different to what you’ll find on any other Android phone. Nothing says it wants to “reduce distractions and encourage intentional smartphone use”, with its Glyph Interface at the forefront.
The Phone (2a) Plus offers a minimalistic, widget-based UI that’s free from bloatware
The software also features a monochrome theme and icon pack, steering clear of the usual bright colours. Personally, I’m a big fan of this aesthetic, and Nothing is clearly going for a more retro vibe, though it might not appeal to everyone.
You can switch to the stock Pixel look if you’d like during set-up. While new apps often appear in their original colours, the Nothing Icon Pack can fix this. Additionally, Nothing has created 22 custom widgets for the home and lock screens.
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
Elsewhere, there’s also a new News Reporter widget, which uses AI to aggregate daily news across various categories. While convenient, the AI-generated voice can sound monotonous. But ChatGPT integration is a standout feature, providing quick answers and seamless interaction directly from the home screen.
Just like the Phone (2a), Nothing is offering three major OS updates and four years of security updates on the Phone (2a) Plus. That’s a decent commitment, and it’s unlikely many people are planning to use the phone beyond 2028.
Price & Availability
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is attractively priced at £399 in the UK, making it a competitive option.
It’ll initially available in the UK with a limited drop at Nothing’s London Soho store on August 3rd, a US developer program will also launch, with global pricing and availability to follow in September.
When it goes go on sale, you’ll be able to buy one from the Nothing website and doubtlessly by way of Amazon.
If the Telephone (2a) is something to go by, the cellphone gained’t be available for purchase on contract, so that you’ll have to get it outright and pair with a SIM deal. Use the widget under to seek out an possibility that fits you.
Nevertheless, there’s loads of sturdy mid-range competitors, and never simply from the common Telephone (2a) (from £319). The Samsung Galaxy A55 (from £439), Redmi Notice 13 Professional+ (£449), OnePlus Nord 4 (from £429) and Poco F6 (from £399) are all compelling options.
Do you have to purchase the Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus?
The Nothing Telephone (2a) Plus provides a compelling mixture of distinctive design, sturdy efficiency and wonderful worth.
It stands out with its silver accents and highly effective chipset, making it a great alternative for avid gamers and on a regular basis customers alike. The bump in efficiency in comparison with the common Telephone (2a) is noticeable, too.
Nevertheless, I nonetheless keep that this handset didn’t have to exist. This chipset and upgraded selfie digital camera ought to have been within the authentic Telephone (2a), even when it meant the marginally greater value level. Now, there’s an additional system that makes Telephone (2a) tougher to justify.
Whereas the dearth of wi-fi charging is a disadvantage, the general package deal is spectacular for its value level.
If you happen to’re searching for a trendy cellphone with nice efficiency and an reasonably priced value, the Telephone (2a) Plus is certainly price contemplating. It’s definitely the system I’d choose at this value level, even when only for appears to be like alone.
Specs
- Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.6
- 6.7-inch Full HD+ AMOLED, 120Hz refresh fee, 1300 nit peak brightness
- MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Professional processor
- 12GB RAM
- 256GB inner storage
- Twin 50MP rear cameras (Samsung sensors)
- 50MP entrance digital camera (Samsung sensor)
- 5000mAh battery
- 50W wired charging
- 160.8 x 76.4 x 8.1 mm
- 195g
- Launch color: Gray with silver accents
